Many of us have at least one small closet in our house and they can seem like a complete mess or waste of space. Small closet ideas can help optimize not only the given space but also the contents that are usually stored inside the closet. The following are a few changes you should think about making if you’re looking to maximize this space, and make it a little more aesthetically pleasing in the process.
Getting Started with Some Small Closet Ideas
Locate Any Wasted Space Inside Your Closet
Do you have room for a top shelf or second clothing rod? Is there a foot of empty room at the bottom of your closet? Think about what else will fit there, such as a few bins, a storage unit, or even a small dresser. Adding in different organizing components can allow you to consider folding, laying flat, or condensing clothing and accessories that may have been taking up space by hanging on a rod.
Get Rid of Anything You Don’t Often Wear
If you can’t seem to part with it, put it front and center for a few weeks so you see it often and are reminded to wear it. If you still don’t use the item, it needs to go. If you haven’t worn the item in a year or more, you most likely won’t end up wearing it again.
READ MORE: The Spring Cleaning List You Need to Use
Make Sure You Have Adequate Lighting
If you can’t see something you won’t remember to wear it. Most closets already have an overhead light installed inside but more lighting may be required. You don’t need to hire an electrician to accomplish this, however. Battery operated lights that you push to turn on and off may be the perfect solution. They can be mounted to point in dark areas of the closet and shine a light on many of your forgotten pieces.
Can You Get To, or Even See The Back Corners of Your Closet?
If this space is being blocked by bulky closet doors consider replacing them. Curtains can be just as effective as a set of doors, but, won’t stop you from utilizing this precious space. If a closet is kept very organized and cleaned, it may not need any doors or curtains at all. The closet and the contents inside may look good enough to be on display as part of the room.
Specific Tips for Small Closet Ideas
Your small closet will be much more organized if you do one thing, group like items. Organize hanging clothes by color or type of shirt. For instance, sleeveless shirts together, short sleeve shirts next to them, and long sleeve shirts next. This will help you quickly and easily locate the style of shirt you want to wear without having to sort through all the pieces. If you have folded clothing in your closet, organize these by like items as well.
Keep frequently worn shoes in plain sight. All the others can stay in their boxes, especially boots. Changing out shoes by season will reduce the cluttered look of numerous pairs of shoes and also reduce the chances of not being able to find the mate of a pair of shoes you want to wear.
Is there room for hooks? Trick question, there is always room for a hook! Place some on the side wall of the closet. This will act as a designated space for scarves, belts, purses, bathing suits, etc. Additionally, it will allow you to quickly grab frequently used items and accessories.
Tips for Children’s Closets
The closet is a great place for storing toys, stuffed animals, and miscellaneous play items. Put bins or storage units on the floor where even the youngest ones can get to them. Doing this clears the room for more play space and consolidates clutter.
Keep an empty box or bin on the closet floor. When your little one grows out of an item, fold it up and place it in the box. When the box becomes full, label it and put it in storage or take the items to a resale store. You will never need to have a “clean out the closet day” ever again.
READ MORE: Helping Children with Organization and Time Management
WANT TO READ MORE?
Are you looking for more small closet ideas? Check out these 6 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Closet.
